The emperor
Gordien III
Grandson of Gordian I, raised to the throne at thirteen as the chaos of 238 subsided, Gordian III reigned six years under the guidance of his father-in-law, the prefect Timesitheus. The empire caught its breath, coinage flowed: his is the most accessible coinage of the century. He set out against Persia and died in 244 on the Euphrates, replaced by his prefect Philip.
This coin dates from the early years: a child emperor in the care of the Senate and then of Timesitheus, and a coinage that multiplies images of peace and fortune regained.
Gordian III
Denarius, mint of Rome, 2nd officina. Billon, 450‰ fine, die axis 11 o'clock
- Weight
- 2.78 g
- Diameter
- 21 mm
- Thickness
- –
- Die axis
- 11 h
- Mint
- Rome
- Struck
- 241
- Reference
- C 186, RIC 129, RSC 186, RCV 8677, MRK 72/30
- Grade
- EF
French grading: SUP. Broad, oval and irregular flan, centred on both sides; weak reverse; grey patina; light weight.
French numismatic trade, 2026.
